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Cosmetics for Men

Since I have been writing this column, we have covered several topics to help men look and feel their best while keeping up with the newest trends. One area that has been overlooked however, not only by myself but by the whole industry catering to men, is the importance of keeping your face clean and healthy looking.

An area of rapid growth in the sales of beauty products has been in products designed specifically for men. Contrary to popular belief, men are in fact concerned with their appearance, albeit to a lesser extent than women. Although this market is relatively new, experts predict cosmetics for men will be the next big thing in beauty products.

My argument is that if men are willing to spend money on cologne that make them smell good, why wouldn’t they spend money on something that makes them look good as well? Furthermore, since many men spend hours every week working out and taking care of their bodies, they are sure to want to take care of their faces if the products are available. Another example is the explosion in sales of hair growth treatments for balding men.

cosmetics for men

Since this is a new area, cosmetics companies are still unfamiliar with which products men are willing to try and which ones they are avoiding. They are experimenting with various forms of lotions, skincare and hair products.

Many people find the thought of men wearing make-up odd at first, but after seeing some of the products available, it makes sense. We sell lots of hair products, lotions, scrubs, oils, massage creams, razor blades, shaving needs, environmental sound products, the whole bit, says Sandy Pukel’s. He is the president of the Oak Feed Market in Coconut Grove, Florida, which features a department devoted exclusively to men’s health and beauty care products. I’m personally amazed at all the choices we have now, that we never used to have.

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credit by: AskMen.com

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Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Gil Zamora is an FBI-trained forensics artist with over 3,000 criminal sketches under his belt. Dove (through Unilever’s U.K. office) and Ogilvy Brazil hired him to interview and draw seven different women—two sketches of each. The first sketch was based on each woman’s personal description of herself.The second was based on a description provided by a stranger the woman had just met. Of course, the differences are vast. Watching these women come face to face with the version of themselves in their mind and the version everyone else sees is extraordinary. It’s one of the most original and touching experiments to come from the Campaign for Real Beauty in ages, because instead of making faux protests or annoying graphic designers with bullshit filters, they’re actually empowering individual women to appreciate their inherent beauty, and in turn, allowing us all to wonder if we’ve been judging ourselves too harshly. Like all of the best work, the commercial elements are barely there. Beyond the logo, Dove doesn’t even attempt to sell soap. Watch the documentary below, and mini-videos of selected women on the web site. Then enjoy the rousing comments section, where people are already attacking Dove for choosing too many skinny, white chicks.

Dove Sketch 2 FInaldove_sketch_1_final

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Exercise proven to be good for your skin

exercise

Are you always trying to get motivated to add a little more exercise to your routine? There are lots of reasons to exercise on a regular basis, but did you realize that it can help your skin look clearer and younger? Here are some great reasons to get up off the couch and hit the gym…

When you exercise, increased blood flow benefits the whole body. Nutrients are delivered more efficiently which rids the body of damaging toxins. Don’t forget that your skin is your largest organ – these healthy internal functions allow for better creation of collagen, which keeps your skin looking young and firm.

Greater amounts of exercise diminish stress- which can make a big difference if you struggle with acne. Exercise can stabilize hormonal function so that acne flare-ups are less likely during times of stress. Also, if you break a sweat you will find that this can unclog pores and diminish the appearance of pimples. Don’t forget that when you sweat more, you should drink more too. You want to flush out toxins and free radicals. Keeping your body hydrated is key for overall health and beauty.

Stretching and toning the muscles can minimize the appearance of cellulite too. Cellulite is a very stubborn connective tissue disorder and movements involving Pilates and Yoga seem to help smooth the skin while calming the mind and reducing stress.

Hitting your local Zumba class will make you glow! Ever noticed how great your skin looks after a good cardio workout? That pretty pink glow is proof positive for how improved circulation can positively affect your complexion. If you aren’t moving around enough, your skin can look sullen, dull, or ashen.

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Exfoliation 101

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Stay younger looking by exfoliating regularly! Exfoliation of the skin reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles, rids skin of dead cells and keeps pores clean and clear so skin stays soft and

supple, fresh and radiant!

There are two types of exfoliants: chemical and mechanical. Most people use a combination of both types in their skin care routine.

Chemical exfoliants dissolve the “glue” that trap dead skin cells in pores and to the surface layers of the skin. By dissolving this glue the dead skin and cellular debris are shed revealing younger skin and a smoother, healthier complexion underneath. Some examples of Chemical exfoliants include salicylic acid, glycolic acid, fruit enzymes, citric acid or malic acid. These Chemical exfoliants may be applied in high concentrations by a medical professional, or in lower concentrations in over-the-counter products.

Mechanical exfoliants work by gently buffing away surface skin cells which encourages new skin cells to surface at a more rapid rate. Dead skin cells are swept away and fine lines are minimized, pores are cleared and newer skin is revealed. Mechanical exfoliants include sugar or salt crystals, micro-bead facial scrubs, crushed apricot kernel or almond shells, and cloths such as sponges, loofahs or brushes.

By exfoliating on a regular basis, you are encouraging your skin to regenerate at a faster rate, thereby increasing cellular turnover which will help improve firmness, texture, skin tone, and help support healthy collagen for a more youthful and radiant glow!

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Edible Cosmetics Redefine Inner Beauty

Eat your way to clearer skin, healthier hair, and brighter eyes.

Beauty lotions and potions are so 2011. The newest way to make your skin glow, clear up acne, and brighten your eyes isn’t with a little bottle of face cream but rather chocolate creme—as in the case of Borba’s slimming chews and Frutel’s new acne fighter both made out of, yes, chocolate. Apparently eating it doesn’t make you break out or gain weight! That is, if you buy into it.

While women have long ingested pills and vitamins in order to grow healthier hair, stronger nails, and glowing skin, this next generation of edible cosmetics sees your puny Flinstone vitamin and raises you with a range of delicious products that include vitamins, herbs, fruit extracts, and a host of other good-for-you compounds. But why should we eat our makeup when we could get the same vitamins in their natural form by eating whole, healthy foods?

Tanya Zuckerbrot, the official dietitian of the Miss America pageant and co-creator of the edible Beauty Booster, says succinctly, “Juices have a ton of calories. Who wants to sacrifice their behind for their face?” Did we mention the Beauty Booster is calorie- and sugar-free?

Long popular in Europe and Japan, the new industry is just catching on in America, thanks in no small part to celebrities seen carrying the products and their almost-as-famous doctors. Designer Norma Kamali even has her own line of specialty olive oils said to be based on her Spanish-Lebanese upbringing saying, “Olive oil was part of our lives and not just on the table. My mother knew it was good for so many things, so I was indoctrinated quite early.”

Designer olive oil is one thing, but gummy bears that give you “gorgeous skin and anti-aging power?” Edible cosmetics are available in a variety of forms, including candy chews, gummies, drinks, and concentrates that range in potency. But the real question is do they work? Doctors and nutritionists are, naturally, dubious.

“Good skin does not come from slickly marketed beauty drinks and foods, but from vegetables, whole foods, and plain water,” critics say. The FDA is staying out of it, as they don’t regulate cosmetics.

It might be a while before all the research gets sorted out. In the meantime if you’re going to eat a granola bar, would it hurt to try one that also “improves skin tone” like the Nimble Bar?

What do you think of this new category of “neutriceuticals”? Would try edible makeup? Leave a comment and tell us your thoughts!

By Charlotte Andersen

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Is your Smartphone giving you wrinkles?

woman-smartphoneIs your Smartphone giving you wrinkles?

Are you addicted to your smartphone? And do you have the ‘smartphone squint?’

Supposedly, gals are developing premature wrinkles from staring at their smartphones. Really?

According to Dr. Brian Glatt, a New Jersey board-certified plastic surgeon, “The trend for ‘BlackBerry Botox’ is highly increasing especially among women who are addicted to gazing on their BlackBerries or iPhones all day. Peering at a small screen causes facial strain, around and between the brows which may cause premature wrinkles on the face.”

Smartphone-related wrinkles are the latest condition that doctors attribute to overuse of technology. Others include ‘BlackBerry thumb’ – a form of repetitive strain injury caused by excessive texting.

Ok, we aren’t really sure we believe this, but we thought sharing these tips couldn’t hurt…

1. Take a break – It’s important to put down or at least glance up from your Smartphone regularly so that your eyes can rest. Though squinting is necessary when using a Smartphone, taking time to relax your eyes can make a significant difference in reducing this new type of strain on your facial muscles.

2. Turn the light down low – too much light and contrast can cause you to narrow the eyes to take in the brightness. A no-no for fresh-looking eye contours. Combat the dreaded ‘crow’s feet’ effect by dimming the screen in your ‘settings’ options – and see how low you can go on the light emission. The less, the better. (as a bonus, this will also help preserve your phone’s battery life!)

3. Enlarge the text – If you find yourself struggling to read the small text on your Smartphone and start holding it so close you wrinkle your nose so much it hurts, just enlarge the text by simply going to your settings and altering the text size. Also, the zoom function can be a fantastic thing – use it to focus in on images on your device so you can see much more clearly and avoid pulling the inner eye.

4. Looking after your eyes – If you can bear it, spend less time glued to your iPhone or Blackberry. And during this timeout, take some deep breaths to relax the face into a more natural expression, and gently massage the area around the eyes – a simple thing that can make a big difference to preventing those lines that starts subtly but can get deeper and more pronounced. Not only will your face be serene looking, you will feel more serene – and in a much better state to deal with any inbox horrors.

5. Don’t forget to smile! If you are experiencing stress from being constantly attached to your Smartphone, just think about the potentially negative effect this is having on your youthful appearance. Then, take time to do something that relieves the tension, like playing on a fun app, like TomCat or Angry Birds; this will help relax your face, soften your expression and prevent long term frown lines.

Do you think that excessive use of your smarphone will age your face?

SUBMITTED BY
In her 30’s from USA
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5 other ways to protect your skin


Stashing a bottle of sunscreen in your purse or beach bag is key to protecting your skin. So is wearing a wide-brimmed hat and washing your face every day. But there are several other serious skincare steps that you might be overlooking. Here are five essential ways to keep your skin healthy and safe that you might not think about — but should.

 
Check your medication.
Do you take any medications? (Yes, the occasional aspirin for headache and pain relief also counts.) If so, it may be making you extra sensitive to the sun, which could put your skin at risk. According to Reader’s Digest, the following medications can make you photosensitive:
  • NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen
  • Oral contraceptives
  • Skin treatments with vitamin A
  • Antibiotics
  • Beta-blockers
  • Saint John’s Wort
  • Diuretics

Even if your medication didn’t make the list, talk to your pharmacist about whether your medication might be increasing your vulnerability to the sun. Be especially diligent with your sun care routine, and apply sunscreen with SPF 30 at a minimum every few hours. Also, check out these 10 lesser-known facts about smart sun protection.

  • Use antioxidants. Various vitamins can deliver vital nutrients to your skin and keep it healthy. One effective way to foster healthy skin is to fortify your skin’s outer protective barrier. Vitamin B3, for instance, helps to boost the production of ceramides and fatty acids, which are components of your skin’s barrier. Specifically, a brawny barrier helps skin retain moisture and keep irritants out, Leslie S. Baumann, M.D., director of the University of Miami Cosmetic Medicine and Research Institute, tells Prevention. When searching for skincare products with B3, look for the ingredient niacinamide.

Also, seek out formulas with vitamin C, which defuses skin-damaging free radicals. Other skin-protecting antioxidants include coenzyme Q10 and alpha lipoic acid. If you’re not sure what type of product you’d like, consider investing in a serum. Serums are usually highly concentrated and can sink deeper into the skin. Here’s more information on how various antioxidants can help your skin.

  • Beware harmful bacteria. According to Dr. Baumann on The Skin Guru, her Yahoo! Health blog, bathrooms are a breeding ground for cosmetic contamination — and in some surprising ways.

Do you keep your cream in the shower? Have acne and use a loofah? The humidity can harm your products and your skin. In fact, humidity fosters fungi growth and can even decrease a product’s effectiveness. Instead, keep your products in cool, dark locations. Using the same loofah when you have acenic skin can spread the acne to other spots of your body. Rather than cleansing with a reusable loofah, Dr. Baumann suggests using Pond’s Cleansing Towelettes.

Other ways to prevent contamination concerns? According to Dr. Baumann, avoid sharing makeup with others, don’t use your saliva to remove eye makeup (it can cause an eye infection) and wash beauty brushes once a month and makeup sponges once a week (be sure they’re thoroughly dry before using).

  • Know when products expire — and ditch them. You might be surprised to learn that both skincare and beauty products can spoil, and keeping them around any longer once they’ve expired can actually harm your skin. You may feel guilty about throwing away a half-used product, but beauty products that’ve gone bad can cause everything from eye infections and recurrent cold sores to skin irritations and allergic reactions. Check out ourcomprehensive guide to expiration dates on when to pitch products — and how to prolong their shelf life.
  • If you have a skin condition, be cautious at the spa. Do you have eczema, rosacea or psoriasis? Some spa treatments can worsen these skin conditions, according to dermatologist Susan Evans, M.D., on her blog, Healthy Skin, on WebMD. Before scheduling an appointment, Dr. Evans suggests asking the spa if they specialize in your skin condition.

If you have rosacea, avoid getting microdermabrasion or chemical peels, she says. Go to a dermatologist for these treatments instead. Also, avoid facials with “alcohol, eucalyptus, fragrance, menthol, peppermint or witch hazel,” she says, along with potentially triggering “hot towel treatments to the face, facial steaming, steam baths and saunas.”

If you have moderate to severe acne, avoid spa treatments, like facials, altogether. For instance, estheticians should never perform extractions on inflamed acne lesions like nodules, according to About’s acne guide Angela Palmer, M.D. If you’re using a retinoid formula, exfoliation is also prohibited. Overall, it’s best to make an appointment with a dermatologist. And if you’re thinking about having a spa treatment, consult the dermatologist about that, too.

In general, it’s a good rule of thumb to research any spa you’re thinking about attending and to inquire about the esthetician’s experience. Here are some general tips on selecting a spa.

Keeping skin healthy and safe means following a few important steps: checking your medication to see if it boosts your sun sensitivity, using antioxidants to fight free radicals, ensuring your skincare products are safe and still effective and taking precautions when visiting the spa.